100% Renewable Energy: Boosting Social and Economic Development

Day:Tuesday, 6th of October

Time: 13:00 – 14:30

Room: Hall 1A

While national governments are gathering in major UN summits to discuss solutions to climate change, the necessary transition is already underway around the world: Hundreds of jurisdictions across the globe have set 100% renewable energy (RE) targets and are leading the journey toward a fossil- and nuclear-free society. A society, independent from energy systems that are powered by increasingly expensive and unsustainable fossil fuel resources and instead powered fully by abundant, local, and affordable renewable energy sources.

This is especially good news for those countries where the lack of electricity is hindering socio-economic development for billions of people. Examples from around the world demonstrate that this trend can be reversed if countries turn to decentralised renewable energy systems. These can reach communities much faster than expanding existing, inefficient central grid systems, new business models emerge and offer immediate improvements to people’s lives.

Taking a closer look at these early pioneers, members of the Global 100% Renewable Energy campaign will identify drivers, barriers, as well as facilitating factors for the scale up of 100% RE. Hereby, this side event session will offer insights for why this transition is not only happening, but that it is also both possible and affordable, boosting social and economic development across the world.

Organisers: World Future Council and members of the Global 100% RE campaign